I had my 52 8N at at tire shop today getting a new rear tire installed. While the tractor was on the jack, the tire guy pointed out that the whole wheel wobbled when you shook it, either side to side or from top to bottom. He said the bearings were bad. I did a search on this site and found that perhaps it the hub, instead.

I've owned the tractor a little over six years and other than a loud squeak every once in a while I've never noticed any problem or felt any instability back there. Other than mowing a seven acre meadow three or four times a year I only use the tractor for very small jobs.

When you get the tractor back home, grab the wheel at the top and rock it side to side while watching the axle/nut. If the hub moves and the axle doesn't the hub is likely worn or you may just luck out by tightening the nut.

As Dollar Bill and SoundGuy said, check the hub. They're a known wear part.
Hub wears before the harder axle.
If you can tighten it and make the wobble go away without it binding, great!
Don't forget to remove the lock wire from the nut before trying to turn it.
If it's worn too much, you might check with John Smith or Jim.UT for a used one.

(quoted from post at 21:51:42 11/08/12) I'll check tomorrow but I think there was room (a few threads) between the nut and the hub. Maybe tightening is all it needs.

Yeah, right. As if I was ever that lucky with anything!

We'll see.

Running with them loose can ruin the hub, so I hope your luck is having a good day!
Torque spec on that nut is 400 ft/lbs
Check out John Smith's site for some detailed instructions and photos of what to look for, link below.

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